Copper it up – Interiors with a metallic twist

There are a couple of themes which are running through the world of interiors (and fashion come to think of it!) for 2013, one being the colour of emerald green which was crowned Pantone colour of the year for 2013.  Another being pastels with a modern geometric twist …oh …and a little bit of floral!!  We could be forgiven for thinking it has all gone back to the eighties…fortunately not!!

One of the other trends for the year has to be the perfect compliment to these, being the metallic allure of copper… Whether you are looking for a luxurious accent, or something with a bit of industrial edge, then copper may be the perfect solution.  Unfortunately, in it’s raw form it is a pretty scarce commodity and has a pretty high cost to it, but there are plenty of products on the market which mimic the copper allure…. or if you are lucky enough to have some old disused piping lying around then there are some great ideas below.

Going all out copper

If a hint of copper is not your thing then you could go all out with some of the veneers and metal effects on the market to create something a little like the kitchen below…. or if money is no object for your opulent mansion then how about a copper bath to soak away your worries!

Subtle touch

If the all out copper bling is not your thing then bring forth the trusty accent, which lets face it is easily updated when….. well copper is no longer the latest thing……

And if Repurpose is your thing….

Source elledecoration.com

Just mixing it up with colour…..

Complimenting blues

…or giving drama to the darks…..

Where would you use copper?….meanwhile I am going to get on my little copper bike and carry on with the colourful adventure……

Bike by Van Heesh Design

all pictures sourced from Pinterest unless otherwise stated

 

Lighting up the night is kid’s play!

source larkstore.com.au

As a kid I have to say that I was just a teensy bit afraid of the dark, my door had to be left ajar and I had a little ceramic toadstool night light, which come to think of it never seemed to work, the bulb always seemed to blow!  And that is probably why now I cannot sleep with the tiniest bit of light coming through… but that is not to say that the array of very cute night lights on the market for children, big and small, have not caught my eye. I thought I would share a few.

Probably suited to all age groups these award winning “memory” wall lights from Boris Klimik are designed to evoke your childhood memories, however unlike most balloons these ones will not deflate.

If you are looking for something a little more fairy tale then these magical lamps by Heico of Germany are possibly for you…sorry your child…. These lamps are hand made so no two lamps are identical…

And for those of you who need to count a few sheep before the zzzzzz’s kick in then this “lamby lamb lamp” will be perfect for you.

Or for a little toadstool magic, I love these little battery powered mushroom string lights from Angel Fish and Dragonfly, (these are perfect for an outdoor party where there little elves have not managed to get a power point fitted!!

Or for the night light that will grow up with you there is a wise owl from “Have You Met Miss Jones“, who is sure to keep guard over the monsters and ghouls that lie beneath the bed…..

Which is your favourite?  Sleep tight…..meanwhile on with the colourful adventure………

 

Industrial Lace

I have posted on the use of lace in interior design previously, but far from the doily or net curtain style, I am loving the fusion of lace with an industrial look, using materials such as concrete, metal and more textural materials which take it away from it’s more delicate stereotype…. Here are a few of my favourites…

Jo Gibbs – etching onto slate and wood

Lace Lighting – which casts a beautiful shadow around your room…

Source – Rockett St George

Source – Rockett St George

Wallpaper – Young &Battaglia Lace iron fence

Something for the bedroom………………….

Hand screen painting cushions from Rockett St George

…and I love this find on Pinterest for the Lace headboard….. not sure where you would find lace on this scale….

And finally a felt rug by Polish designer Agnieszka Czop which plays on the polish tradition of the doily.

Feeling a little inspired to raid the linen cupboard now!…Meanwhile on with the colourful adventure……

 

Danish Style – Bringing Warmth a Cool Colour Palette

The grey palette is ever increasing in popularity as the colour scheme of the moment, however it is tricky to make greys, which can be quite “cold”, invite you with warmth.  I am loving the Danish restaurant “Host” which was designed by Danish interior design company Norm.  They describe their style so eloquently

“Norm was responsible for the interior design of Höst. [Norm] has created an organic environment in an urban setting. Guests enter into a warm and inviting space and are met with the unmistakable sense of Scandinavian cosiness, while everything is also a bit weathered. Materials that age gracefully are in focus – recycled wood that has washed up on the west coast, granite in uneven pieces, concrete with clear structures and deviations, old cast iron and dented zinc. All of this is offset by a warm trickling light, soft wool rugs and lambskin.”

I just want to get there and snuggle right in!  I am also in love with their collection of dinnerware which was designed in collaboration with Danish design house Menu.  The following photos are a collaboration of Danish design blogger Emma Fexeus and Norm architect / photographer Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen.

Let me know what you think….meanwhile on with the colourful adventure…..

 

Getting Creative With a Little Quercus Style

You may recall one of my Friday interviews late last year was with the lovely Adam Jones from Sydney Wallpaper company Quercus & Co.  Well Adam, as a thank you kindly sent me a very generous sample of his beautiful “Tapestry” wallpaper (above)….. which has been elegantly waiting in the corner of my room for me to get creative and display it.

“Tapestry” – really gorgeous wallpaper – Thank you Adam

Now, when it comes to choosing colours and furniture for other peoples homes I am pretty decisive, but when it comes to my own it is like a builder, it never gets done. This is usually because I see so many things I want them all and then end up getting nothing. One such search was for something to place above the head of my bed…..and well Mr Jones’ wallpaper turned out to be just perfect.  Armed with three fantastic frame give to me by Santa ( my father) here is the outcome of my first creative project for 2013.

The “Before” awaiting the perfect something to hang on the wall.

Colour testing…i.e procrastinating about cutting up the paper! Well I only get one go!!

Measuring up -i.e. more procrastinating!!

One done, two to go need to take a rest on the arm chair….

Procrastinating with Instagram while measure up the other two!!! (Well Rome was not built in a day!)

Two down one to go…..

Mission complete just need hubby and a hammer…..

The finished article…. thank you so much Adam……loving them! My very own one off tapestry feature!

Mean while on with the colourful adventure………..

 

Creatively Speaking – Tam Turnbull “I Like Birds”

One of my favourite streets in Sydney is William Street, in the suburb of Paddington.  It has lots of gorgeous boutique shops, a little Italian Cafe and cute pubs which nestle on the corner to cosy up with a few friends for an after work drink.  One shop which has caught my eye on numerous occasions, probably because of my business name, is “I Like Birds”.  For those of you who love vintage, or like that little nostalgic trip back in time then you will “Like Birds” too.

Tam kindly agreed for me to intrude into her store and answer a few questions for my little Friday spot.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my shop and style both as an ever changing curation of lovely things.

What / Where / Who inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. I love magazines, antique centres, flea markets, architecture, gardens, the TV show “American Pickers.”

Where did your love of vintage come from and what makes your style unique to you?

I’ve always been a collector of found objects and second-hand things. Trawling through second-hand markets is my ‘happy place’. I guess my style is unique in that I collect with emotion. I surround myself with things that make me happy, regardless of their practicality. I read a quote recently that said “objects matter beyond their utility”. I couldn’t agree more.

 Which is your favorite piece or pieces and why?

Its impossible for me to pick a favourite piece. There would be at least 20 things that would come equal first on a favourites list.

 What has been the most exciting point in your career so far?

The most exciting point so far in my career would be being featured in Inside Out Magazine earlier this year. Inside Out has been been my design & style bible for many, many years and to be supported by them was a thrill.

If you could commission anyone to make something to sell in your shop who and what would it be?

I would commission Florence Broadhurst to create a signature print for me, for curtains , cushions and wallpaper.

Florence Broadhurst – source Signature Prints

Where would you recommend someone coming to visit your home town visit….where would be the must stop place or places to see

Sydney has so much to see. A ferry tour of the Harbour is a must. And a shop down William Street, Paddington.

Describe your perfect day

My perfect day would be an early visit to my favourite flea market, followed by coffee and the Sunday paper, then a lie down on the sand at Bondi Beach, and cocktails at sunset on my balcony.

Now as much as I love your shop, I love cooking and am always eager to find out a new recipe… what is your favorite dish to cook??

I am a DISASTER in the kitchen. I always joke that paramedics should be on standby when I attempt to cook anything.

 

Caravan – Quercus & Co

I posted on Sydney based wallpaper company Quercus & Co a couple of months ago on their range of Australian flora and fauna designed wallpaper.  Well in time for those looking to do a spring / summer make over Quercus & Co have just launched their bohemian inspired “Caravan” Collection.  The collection is based on vintage fabrics and embroideries from Europe and the Middle East, and the colours and tones are disigned to make the paper look like it is melded like paint to your wall.

Quercus Inspiration Board – Work in Progress

If you love the patterns, and wallpaper is not your thing then I think they would look just as good framed up to give you a less permanent decoration.

There are five designs in the collection, and if you want to take yours a little further they also can custom add a     special “dip dye” effect using special dyes to the bottom of your paper, this is tailor made to suit the dimensions of your walls…….

Tapestry

This has to be one of my favourites… Based on the vintage diamond Kilim, this wallpaper is designed with a variation of tones to give an effect of age and history…that vintage worn quality.

Kilim

The rustic charm of Kilim is intended to look as if the design has been painted directly onto the walls.

Paisley

Inspired by the textiles of Persia the Paisley design is a joyful play on florals…

Bargello

This pattern is inspired by the Florence Bargello or “Flame Stitch” prevalent in the 17th century embroidered cloth.

Crewel

Crewel is inspired by the freestyle “crewel work” embroidery style.

Dip Dye

My ultimate favourite is the option to add a little extra with the option to customise your wallpaper for that Dip Dye effect.  Perfect to add a little Bohemian Hippy style…

Let me know what you think…… mean while on with the colourful journey.

 

Bubblegum Retro

 

A little bit of fun for Friday. With October being the month for breast cancer awareness, pink seems to be everywhere, which is a good thing.  Perhaps it is the pink coupled together with watching an old Greece movie (and knowing all the words to “Beauty School Drop Out” the other day that made this place catch my attention.  The Powder Room in East London is a time machine which transports you back to the glamour of the 50′s, although I think that their techniques and tools are more in line with modern times (no ironing hair between two sheets of newspaper on an ironing board!)

The founder of the Powder Room, Katie Reynolds started her pampering empire with an at home retro pampering service in 2005 which enabled you to call on the service of the aptly named Powderpuff Girls, this has now grown to two salons in Columbia Road and Soho London….(and an online store for those not in the area!)…. so obviously no beauty school drop outs here.

This is not your ordinary salon, it fully projects the style that it promotes with candy floss power puff inspired stools, mirrored counter tops, retro prints and packaging and uniforms reminiscent of the 50′s era.  So for this girls who still like to play a little bit of dress up….

Services include a “make him look twice” makeup package or the perfect coiffed updo, as well as how too classes.  tea and cakes are also thrown in the mix, with cocktails being served in tea cups for this who want to get the party started early….. Have a great weekend…. meanwhile on with the colourful journey.

 

Caravintage – Kara Rosenlund

Brisbane based Kara Rosenlund started as an editorial and advertising photographer for some of the top magazine names in Australia as well as shooting and styling some high profile ad campaigns which came about after she won the much sought after Canon Australian Institute of Professional Photography ‘AIPP Photographer of the Year’ title in 2003.  Moving to London in 2007, Kara changed her focus towards her love for vintage home wares and interior design, as a stylist and buyer.  Here Kara hand delivered art work to Madonna, through to diving off the Scottish coast to retrieve barnacled earthenware…. brrrrrrr.

With these experiences firmly under her belt Kara has returned back to Brisbane with her hubby, and a few Bantam hens, where they have lovingly restored a vintage caravan (named Frankie) to begin the journey of her next adventure which shares her finds from the unique “Travelling Wares” caravan shop….

“Travelling Wares is our unique travelling home wares caravan shop, full to the brim with beautiful and practical vintage wares…for your home.

A love of early morning thrill hunting and rattling about at the trestle tables in Europe inspired Kara to share her ‘objets d’art’ and found delights with you from far and wide.”

Next market is Saturday the 27th of October 2012 at the Jan Power Farmers Markets at New Farm’s Powerhouse in Brisbane. 6am til 1pm.”

More dates are on Kara’s website. For those who cannot make the tour dates then the internet provides a “virtual” alternative!….. mean time on with the colourful journey…or as Kara’s moto states….

 

Talking Japanese – Orient Style

Inspired by the fantastic Japanese cherry blossom (which admittedly is not quite in season yet!) I have put together a couple of images for some fun ways to add a little taste of the orient in your home, whether it be wallpaper, murals, furniture or something a little less permanent there is are a few ideas to cover all bases.

Based in Surrey Hills here in Sydney, Rock’oco Australia are an interiors company who have incorporated the Japanese influence into a couple of their furniture pieces and commissions.  Using Porters Paints specialist “Fresco” paints they have created the below feature wall….. now just need to convince some of my clients out of Dulux Hogs Bristle….

…or this statement “Lille” hand painted timber cabinet with printed canvas doors.

If a statement is what you want to make then how about this Gio Pagani Vintage Japanese Goldfish Wallpaper.

and for those of you who prefer a smaller taste of the Orient…. how about these Moooi “Emporor” light shades. Admittedly at just under $2000 they are not the cheapest lamp shades but those creative up cyclers amongst you could use them as inspiration.

Australian fashion designer Akira Isogawa recently launched a new rage of his Japanese inspired rugs for the Designer Rug company. The Kiku rug is below is a bold bright addition to your room.

Or take a little inspiration from Little Owl Designs with their canvas plates Geisha style

Why stop at the home, why not be the envy of all with this Japanese Lunch box cover from  Upon a Fold.. perfect for disguising the ageing tupperware…Come time to eat and this handy wrap unfolds to be a placemat and hand towel too!

And if it all gets too much, then just put on that kettle grab your self a cup of Japanese Green Tea, this Maxwell and Williams Japanese inspired tea set….

…or maybe write a letter….  with these fun origami inspired memos also from upon a fold…..

Sayonara for now….. meanwhile on with the colourful journey…….